Obama: Sequester diminishes U.S. scientific research

Mar. 15, 2013
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President Obama speaks to guests during a visit to Argonne National Laboratory on March 15, 2013 in Argonne, Illinois. Obama used the event to push for more federally funded research into clean energy technologies. / Scott Olson Getty Images

by Aamer Madhani, USA TODAY

by Aamer Madhani, USA TODAY

WASHINGTON - The primary purpose of President Obama's visit to the Argonne National Laboratory near Chicago on Friday was to trumpet his call on Congress to get behind his proposal for an Energy Security Trust to support research of advanced vehicle technology.

But Obama didn't miss an opportunity to make his case that the massive across-the-board budget cuts that went into effect this month could have long-term effects on scientific research in the USA.

"They don't trim the fat," Obama said of the $85 billion in automatic cuts to domestic and defense spending known as sequester. "They cut into muscle and into bone - like research and development being done right here that not only gives a great place for young researchers to come and ply their trade, but also ends up creating all kinds of spinoffs that create good jobs and good wages."

Obama's comments come days after Argonne's director, Eric Isaacs, and the directors of the Department of Energy's two other national laboratories warned in an article for The Atlantic of the long-term harm the sequester would have on their research.

"This drop in funding will force us to cancel all new programs and research initiatives, probably for at least two years," the scientist wrote. "This sudden halt on new starts will freeze American science in place while the rest of the world races forward, and it will knock a generation of young scientists off their stride, ultimately costing billions in missed future opportunities."

Obama suggested that if he and Congress aren't able to come to terms on a long-term budget deal that the United States will fall behind global competitors.

"At a time when every month you've got to replace your smartphone because something new has come up, imagine what that means when China and Germany and Japan are all continuing to plump up their basic research, and we're just sitting there doing nothing?" Obama said. "We can't afford to miss these opportunities while the rest of the world races forward. We have to seize these opportunities."